More words related to pertly

Word Origin & History

c.1300 (implied in pertly), "evident, unconcealed," shortened form of Middle English apert "open, frank," from Old French apert, from Latin apertus, past participle of aperire "to open" (see overt). Sense of "saucy, bold" first recorded late 14c. Less pejorative meaning "lively, brisk, in good spirits" (c.1500) survives in U.S. dialectal peart (with Middle English alternative spelling). Related: Pertness.

Example Sentences for pertly

Nine o'clock, then; and we'll see if you'll talk as pertly afterwards.

"She sings much better than you do Grace," said Rose pertly.

“All the more reason to wish for it,” maintained Jill pertly.

She stiffened a little at this, and then said pertly, "Wot's that?"

He pertly refused to go until he should be ready, arguing his “equality” with any officer.

"When inflamed with love and wine, you know," said Lucy pertly.

He got down jauntily, springily, pertly, and trotted up the steps.

"Get back and sweep out the passage, you mean," said the girl, pertly.